861.77/644: Telegram
The Minister in China (Reinsch) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received January 25, 1919, 1:34 p.m.]
Following from [Harris at] Omsk.
[“]50. January 24, noon. Have sent following self-explanatory telegram to Stevens:
‘January 23, 6 p.m. Have communicated your cipher telegram dated January 2041 to Ustrugoff and for your confidential information Department Foreign Office here informs me today that word has been received that Ambassador Morris was proceeding to Harbin in order to carry on negotiations with General Horvat42 concerning railroad. I was informed that any arrangements reached with Horvat would not be acceptable to Government here.
If it is at all possible, I believe it would be good policy not to entirely ignore the existence of said Government. In making this statement I only have in mind possible future trouble, and hope it may be avoided. Kindly inform Ambassador Morris upon his arrival.[’]
I would respectfully suggest that the Omsk Government at least be kept informed concerning the nature of, and with whom, the railroad negotiations are being conducted in Harbin and Vladivostok. And Omsk Government does not recognize the right of Horvat to represent the interest of the Siberian Railroad in any capacity or in anything which might have a bearing on the railroad question, in any manner, shape, or form. This Government is fearful that recognizing any claims of Horvat would but encourage separatist ideas and interests and strengthen him in position which would enable future construction [obstruction?]. The case of Semenoff is cited as an example of what signification [sic] self-interest may accomplish in delaying the reconstruction of Russian unity.
[Page 245]Foreign Office here informs me that Ambassador Morris has telegraphed Sir Charles Eliot, now Omsk, to come to Harbin for a conference. Sir Charles Eliot replied that he would be pleased to see Ambassador Morris in Tokio. I mention this to show how ignorant every one here is concerning the railway situation and the entire Tokio [Omsk?] Government is greatly irritated by what is considered unnecessary and unjust treatment. As I have mentioned in former despatches I trust some steps may be taken to conciliate the Government here. This is necessary for the sake of present and future harmony. Harris.”